Sheffield United: Matt says it’s now smiles better at the Lane

James Shield

Matt Hill revealed ahead of today’s game against Coventry City how Nigel Clough, the Sheffield United manager, has helped improve team spirit behind the scenes

The defender, whose contract expires later this summer, cited United’s new-found camaraderie as the catalyst for their improved form during the second half of the campaign.

Hill, who moved to Bramall Lane in 2012, said: “The atmosphere he is really good. Excellent in fact and that’s really helped.

“In fairness to (Clough’s predecessor) Mr (David) Weir, there were so many players coming in at the start of the season that there was hardly any consistency. It was difficult to get that.

“The manager now has come in and really instilled that. We are together and looking solid.”

Hill, who is waiting to discover if he will be invited to sign a new deal, added: “The gaffer has led us in that but, as a group of players, I think we’ve also shown that we can do what he wants us to in that regard.”